|
The 2002 Winter Olympics
The Sports
NPR News looks at the sports of the 2002 Winter Olympics in Salt Lake City. Among the additions to these games: skeleton returned to the Olympics after a half-century's absence, and women made their debut in the bobsled.
Women's Bobsled
Tuesday at the Winter Olympics, women will race down bobsled ice for the first time ever. NPR's Howard Berkes reports for All Things Considered.
Fast Ice
World speed-skating records keep falling at the Utah Olympic Oval. The track's altitude, purified water and careful climate control combine to make some of the fastest ice on earth. NPR's Howard Berkes reports for Weekend All Things Considered.
Men's Steep Downhill
The men's downhill ski competition takes place on a course aptly named "The Grizzly." Participants will average speeds of 70 mph as they hurtle down the slope. NPR's Elizabeth Arnold has the story for Weekend Edition Saturday.
Bridge on Ice?
Some fans of the card game bridge want it to be included in the 2006 Winter Olympic Games in Turin, Italy. But the Winter Olympic rules say the games must be played on ice or snow. The NPR Players think "Bridge on Ice" would be a fine sport.
A Slippery Sport with Youth Appeal and "Madness"
For the first time in 54 years, the Winter Olympics will feature skeleton sledding. NPR's Howard Berkes reports on a sport that officials believe will draw young TV audiences with "its own special madness" -- that is, sledders zooming head first down an icy path at speeds topping 80 miles an hour.
Biathletes Gird for Olympics -- and War
At recent Olympic trials for the biathlon -- an event that combines cross-country skiing and shooting -- several U.S. hopefuls were soldiers, training for the Olympics at a time of war. While focusing on their sport, they knew that at any minute they could be called on to perform their military jobs, NPR's Tom Goldman reports.
|
